Hukum pips Westover in King George duel – but favourite Auguste Rodin flops

29 July 2023 , 18:00

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Jim Crowley riding Hukum (right) wins the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes from Westover (Image: Getty)

Hukum pipped Westover in a pulsating battle for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes crown. The 13-2 winner capped a golden hour for Owen Burrows, who also landed York's feature prize with Alflaila. Burrows, the trainer of around 40 horses, was left speechless by Hukum's heroics at the head of an all-star field.

"It would have to be the best (day of my career)," he said, after witnessing the stayer tough it out under jockey Jim Crowley. I'm a bit hoarse from shouting. What can you say about him? He's an absolute star. I can't put into words what it means."

In a race which lived up to lofty expectations, Westover (7-1) was first to make his move as the ten runners fanned out into the straight. Kept wide by Pyledriver, the eventual runner-up was asked to stretch by Rob Hornby, while Crowley tracked his every move.

The front two raced on from King Of Steel, best of the Classic generation in third, as his Epsom conqueror Auguste Rodin was eased by Ryan Moore at the back of the field. Hukum went to assert at the furlong pole, but Westover kept responding for pressure to go down fighting by a head.

"He gave me everything and the second didn't lay down at all," said Crowley, whose mount was nearly retired last year due to injury. It was a great horse race, very exciting to be a part of – probably more exciting to watch! It was very special even to get a ride in it. It was the best King George I've seen on paper for a while."

Housebound ex-serviceman enjoys special window visit from physio's horse

Hukum rewarded backers at odds of 13-2 (Getty)

Hukum is from the same family as Nashwan, who lit up the 1989 Flat season in the 2000 Guineas and Derby for late owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. His daughter Sheikha Hissa, who has refined the family's thoroughbred operation, was emotional at their best result since Taghrooda's 2014 title. Auguste Rodin, the 9-4 favourite, was in trouble a long way out and trailed home a long last.

"I think he is fine but I don’t know what happened there," said trainer Aidan O'Brien. "Ryan said he never fired up at all. In the next few days, something may come to light."

Melissa Jones